Senior Research Assistant

Brown University; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University is seeking a Senior Research Assistant to support the RNA Core Facility, handling sample prep, library construction, sequencing, and data recording. The role involves maintaining cell lines, performing transfections, and ensuring timely preparation of reagents and SOPs under supervision of the RNA Core Facility Manager.

The role is a fixed-term position with a one-year term, onsite at Brown University in Rhode Island, with potential extension subject to funding and performance.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree with 3-5 years of lab experience or equivalent.
• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques such as PCR, electrophoresis, and western blotting.
• Ability to grow and maintain mammalian cell cultures and perform basic molecular tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support RNA Core Facility operations and sequencing workflows.
• Prepare samples, libraries, and run instrumentation for sequencing.
• Record data meticulously and prepare it for presentation to external groups.
• Write protocols and operating procedures; assist in reagent ordering.

Skills

Organizational skills

Supervise others

Experiment design

Molecular biology

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree with 3-5 years’ lab experience

Tools

PCR

Western blotting

Cell culture

DNA/RNA extraction

Job description

Senior Research Assistant

The Senior Research Assistant will support all operations of the RNA Core Facility including, maintaining cell lines, performing transfections, PCR, western blotting, and DNA/RNA/protein extraction & purification. The Senior Research Assistant will be responsible for the preparation of samples, library construction, and the running of instrumentation for sequencing and other genomic workflows under the direction of the RNA Core Facility Manager. In addition, the Senior Research Assistant will be responsible for the ordering and preparation of necessary laboratory reagents and supplies to support Core operations. The position will require careful collection, recording, and interpretation of experimental data and preparation of collected data for presentation to outside research groups. The position will require the ability to keep detailed records of activities, and will be required to write protocols and operating procedures.

The COBRE: Center for RNA Biology in Health and Disease primary goal is to create a transformative organizing hub for RNA research in Rhode Island. The RNA Core Facility works to support RNA biology research at Brown University and the wider Rhode Island community by providing specialized expertise and training. The RNA Core Facility is developing analytical capabilities in long-read sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation, massively parallel reporter assays (MRPAs), and RNA structural analysis. We work with early career RNA researchers to help them establish independent NIH-funding investigators, more established researchers who are seeking to initiate RNA-focus projects and act to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between core services and RNA biology research labs.

This is a fixed term position with a current end date of one year from the date of hire which may be extended based upon available funding.

Job Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree with 3-5 years’ laboratory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of laboratory approaches and techniques in the areas of Molecular, Cell Biology and Biochemistry required. Candidate should be competent in basic molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, electrophoresis and western blotting, and in growing and maintaining mammalian cell cultures.
• Preferred: Specific experience in RNA/DNA extraction, purification and analysis, nanopore sequencing, biochemistry, or molecular RNA biology.

Job Competencies

• Strong organizational skills, technical/scientific and time management skills
• Ability to supervise others
• Ability to design, conduct and evaluate experiments independently
• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with co-workers
• Ability to interact and collaborate with diverse research groups and other core facilities

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND EDUCATION VERIFICATION REQUIRED.

Job Information

Recruiting Start Date: 2026-09-16

Job Posting Title: Senior Research Assistant

Department: Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry

Grade: Grade 9

Worker Type: Employee

Worker Sub-Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5

Position Work Location: Onsite

Eligibility and Background

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

Benefits of Working at Brown

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Additional Information

You can find detailed information about our salary ranges on our website.